Too cute!

I am sorry but I just had to share these pictures.

Seems like I have more pictures of Sadie on here than the boys, but she's about the only one who will sit still enough for me to get a picture of!

We went to Bible study yesterday and I dressed Sadie up. She's just now fitting into clothes instead of just onesies. Thanks to cousin Ragon for letting us use all of your clothes!

Could you not just eat her up?

Cooper went to Sadie's room, got her pacifier (which required him to get the stool to get it out of her crib) and brought it to her. I thought it was priceless. He was so proud of himself!

Sadie's doing great. She's eating like a champ. We're gonna have some serious rolls here before too long!

Our doctor suggested we try and put her to sleep in the bouncy seat for her reflux. I am not sure he wanted me to position her like this, but I figured if she was sleeping next to us while we played I could keep an eye on her. This girl loves to sleep on her tummy, just like my guys did!

I talked to Mommy G yesterday and she's still doing really well. It's just so good to hear her voice and know she's alright. She loved all of the pictures that I took of them (thank goodness!) and has framed several to put around her house.

So I found a picture I could post of Mommy G that wasn't identifying! Everyone always comments on Sadie's fingers and I always talk about how they are her birthmom's fingers...now you can see. I love this picture because I have a feeling I know what Mommy G was thinking here. She was most likely wanting to take in those toes and feet and never forget what they look like or how small they are. It's a scary thought to think that you might forget what your child's toes looked like. I remember when we lost Cooper for that short time, I cried lots of tears over his fingers and toes and hoping I wouldn't forget them. That I wouldn't forget his smell or his nose. Pray we can help capture these things for her!

Please continue to pray for Mommy G and her healing. Also pray for her spiritually and that we may find a way to share our faith with her.

Love you all! Thanks for all of your prayers for us! We are doing great!

Family Weekend

Blake had a conference in San Diego and was gone from Thursday to Sunday, so I packed up the troops and we headed north for my parents house and my sisters! As much as I love my children I know that would have been a recipe for disaster to stay here alone for 4 days!

We had so much fun just hanging out and enjoying each others company and all of the kids.

Sadie took her first trip to the zoo on Saturday. She didn't seem to be too impressed with anything and even slept thru the noisy train ride!

Owen and Cooper still cannot get enough of their baby sister. Even Cooper loves to take care of her and help me out. She is opening her eyes more and she seems to be responding well to her medicine for her reflux. We are only having trouble getting to sleep after one feeding of the night, instead of all 3!

Open Adoption

So many people are freaked out by open adoption. They think it means that we have joint custody of the child or something. This is not all the case. Open adoption really just means that there is an understanding of the adoptive family that the birthmother needs to know her child is okay.

It's trying to put yourself in their shoes and see that healing is more complete if they can have a relationship with their child. We believe this is best for both the birthparents, the adoptive parents and the child.

All of this to say, we had our first visit with Mommy G last night. I can't tell you how bad I want to post pictures of this beautiful woman.

The pictures are breath-taking...not just because Mommy G is gorgeous, but because of what happens when birthmom and child can hold each other again.

It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

We did very little last night but watch these two cuddle. I am embarrassed to admit that I took 90 pictures! Whoops! You think I got carried away.

I just know that Sadie would want to see this years from now. So this momma tried to capture every snuggle and every kiss from Mommy G.

The hard part was saying good-bye and for her to have to hand Sadie over yet again. But she said she felt great to be able to hold her and see us as a family.

We loaded our car and she went to hers, then she walked up behind me and said, "I am sorry, but I need one last hug!" From me! She wanted to hug me again.

I love this woman more than I will ever be able to write. I would give anything to have just loaded her into our car and brought her home! I know that sounds weird to many of you, but if you ever experience adoption, you'll know what I mean.

Thanks for your prayers. She is feeling everyone of them!

As an update for Sadie, she is up to 7lbs and 2oz. We took her into the doctor because we are having some really rough nights. Seems she has some reflux, so we started some meds. Last night was much better!

Love you all!

GOD IS GOOD!

And Mommy G is incredible. Not only did she call me this morning on her way to court, she called me first thing when she got out of court.

Yet again, I stand amazed at this woman.

She wanted me to know it went well and that she felt relieved to have court behind her! Now she is ready to see us!

We cannot wait to see her tomorrow evening!

Thank you for all of your prayers. She wanted me to thank you all too!

Prayer

Today is the day that Mommy G goes to court. She can not change her mind after today (I know several of you are wondering that).

It sounds like it would be a good day for us, but we feel great pain for Mommy G and Sadie.

Not that it won't be a relief to know we are getting closer to finalization, but she just has to do such a hard thing today.

Mommy G is really nervous about being in court today. She is nervous because she's never had to stand before a judge. She cannot bring her social workers and counselors with her, just her and the attorney.

You guys I cry just thinking about her and how precious she is. I so wish each of you knew her and the incredible things she has told me about Blake and I and of course this daughter we share. This is a woman of great character and wisdom and I am honored to mother along with her.

Please also pray for her as she does not know Christ. I am not sure how she is making it through without a walk with Him. But maybe her placement of Sadie into our home would show her the love of Jesus.

Okay, I gotta stop crying, the kids are waking up! We'll let you know when we hear something! Thanks for your prayers!

Fun at the State Fair

We've had fun this weekend because Blake has been home all weekend. What a nice treat!

With Sadie's speedy arrival, I have felt a little like the boys have been cooped up for the last several days as we adjust to our sweet blessing!

Blake and I took Owen to the fair when he was about 14 months and he loved it! So, we decided to load the troops up and check it out.

The weather could not have been better. Apparently, everyone else in the state agreed and showed up as well. The boys had no clue that it was packed and they enjoyed people watching.

Blake pushed the boys while I carried Sadie in the sling.

They loved the petting zoo!

Their first funnel cake! It was a huge hit, of course!

This is a picture of us on our way to church this morning! We have so enjoyed being a family of 5! You can tell in that first pic that I either have a lazy eye or I am seriously sleep deprived!

Could Owen be anymore in love with his sister???

After church I went to check on Sadie during her nap. This is what I found. How could I not take a picture of that??? Is anyone else just dying looking at this pumpkin???

BOOMER SOONER

Well, this post would normally be offensive to the majority of my side of the family...but who could be upset with faces like these???

I married into a family that is a little crazy for OU. Sorry, Shockley clan...you all know I love you and have come to accept this as normal. Growing up in a family of 4 girls, we just didn't do football like you all do it!

So, this is for all you Sooner fans out there! This is for my precious Shockley family! Good thing sister looks good in RED!

Also, Sadie has been sleeping in her room in her crib for the last couple of nights! Here she is, isn't she to die for?

Love you all and thanks for all of your prayers and sweet notes and emails! GO SOONERS!

Sleepless nights

It's amazing how quickly I have forgotten about these sleepless nights that come with newborns.

But I should be careful to complain about that, this Sadie is such a pumpkin and so quiet and sleepy most of the time. It's just that it seems she's had her days and nights confused a little. I have been trying to get some good shots of her with her eyes open because she's got gorgeous eyes!

Sorry to my family for not posting yesterday, but it's just been a lot of bottles, diaper changes and yawns around here.

We did take Sadie to the doctor again and she's now at 6lbs and 11oz! Woo hoo!

Mommy G is doing well for it only having been a week since she placed Sadie with us. We are eager to see her Wednesday and she is ready to have court behind her. Thank you for all that have been praying for her, she feels great peace with her decision.

So, I had to get this on camera. Owen had a great idea of where to store his juice while he had some cheese this morning!

This is Owen trying to get Cooper ready for "school" yesterday! I love it!

Gigi got Sadie a new book and Owen ran into where Sadie was sleeping and hopped on the bed and started "reading" to her. The boys are still loving having sister at home!

Blake got home early yesterday and the kids just flocked to him. So maybe that little one didn't flock just yet. Possibly mommy handed her over! I love watching Blake with the kids. He's the best daddy ever and they light up around him!

My mom and Blake's mom have been here for the first week since we've been home. Today is my first time at home alone! I am super excited to see how it goes! Better run and get ready before everyone gets up!!!

My cup runneth over!

My sister said this the other day, "my cup runneth over" and it could not be more true.

I can't say enough how great our God is. My heart is so full it does feel like it's about to bust right out of my chest. Sadie is more than I could have ever thought to imagine. And then I watch her brothers with her, and it's enough to make this momma down right mush.

They ADORE her. They love to show her off everywhere we go (just like their mom and dad). They love to take care of her and kiss on her and want to know where she is every minute of the day. They love her noises and worry when she cries. Owen told me on the way to church on Monday to put Sadie in the front with me since she was crying. I thought it was so cute.

So here are some things to pray about if you have a minute.

They have set the court date for when mommy G will relinquish her rights for Sadie.

You guys, this is a big day for us because then we really have smooth sailing until finalization.....BUT, this day brings us sadness too.

I can't imagine being mommy G this day. I can't imagine doing what she has to do in the court room all alone. Please pray the judge is gracious and merciful and speaks only kind words to her.

Please pray for her precious heart, that God holds her tight this day and reminds her of His great plan for her life. As much as we want this day to come, we also find ourselves grieving for mommy G and Sadie. She will be in court Tuesday, September 16th @ 11 am. Please cover her in prayer. Oh the emotions of adoption!

So, here are some pictures from yesterday. They turned out great. I am sure most of you blog stalkers will be getting your own version in the mail soon (remember I am sleep deprived, so give me a week or two!).

Thanks for loving our family. More importantly thanks for lifting Mommy G up in prayer when you think about it. We hope to see her Wednesday of next week!

For Her Aunties...

Well, nothing too exciting has happened.

Really, we think all firsts are exciting and we get the camera out to document.

Here is Sadie's first bath...

She did really well!

We are going to have pictures taken of Sadie tomorrow, so my mom and I tried on her outfit. Too cute! Thanks for the outfit Noonie and Papa Max!

Noonie trying to wake her up for "playtime"!

Daddy reading to the kids before bedtime. That's right folks, all three were asleep by 7:15 last night!

Owen and Cooper have been tremendous in this time of transition! They are so good at being gentle with her and taking care of her. This is one that Owen didn't want me to take, but it was too precious to miss. Sorry Owen!

Hope this is a "fix" for my sisters and the rest of our family who are missing these kids terribly! We love you and are so happy to share these blessings with you!